“A VOICE FOR HER” Hails Government’s Free Sanitary Pad Initiative

The Executive Director of A Voice for Her, and former SRC President of UDS Wa Campus Priscilla Khadi Vawurah, has hailed the government of Ghana’s allocation of GHS292.4 million for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and senior high schools as a “game-changer” for girls’ education and empowerment.

Khadi, a passionate advocate for girls’ rights and education, expressed her excitement about the initiative and strongly the NDC’s administration for keeping its campaign promise.

“This is a major victory for girls everywhere! No girl should ever have to miss school or compromise her health because of something as natural as menstruation.”

Priscilla Khadi Vawurah, Executive Director of A Voice for Her, and former SRC President of UDS Wa Campus

The initiative was announced when Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2025 budget statement—the first under the new NDC administration—on the floor of Parliament.

In a move to promote gender equality in education, the Finance Minister disclosed a budgetary allocation of GH₵292.4 million aimed at addressing menstrual hygiene issues for female students. 

This initiative seeks to ensure that menstruation does not hinder the education of young girls, particularly those in underprivileged communities.

Addressing Parliament during the presentation of the 2025 Budget and Financial Statement, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam emphasized the NDC administration’s commitment to equitable resource distribution, sectoral development, and targeted interventions aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians.

The 2025 Budget places significant emphasis on social welfare programs, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The government increased budgetary allocations for four key social protection programs: National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, School Feeding Programme,  and Capitation Grant

As the Executive Director of A Voice for Her, Khadi has championed the cause of girls’ education, health, and empowerment in Ghana. She believes this initiative will profoundly impact the lives of thousands of schoolgirls across the country.

“This initiative is not just about providing free sanitary pads; it’s about sending a message that every girl matters and deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential”.

Priscilla Khadi Vawurah, Executive Director of A Voice for Her, and former SRC President of UDS Wa Campus

While excited about the initiative, Khadi emphasized the need for a decentralized, inclusive, and sustainable implementation strategy.

“One of our major concerns is the risk of urban bias in resource distribution. Too often, well-meaning programs focus resources in cities while rural and underserved communities are neglected.

“A needs-based, community-driven model is vital to ensure that every girl, regardless of her location, has access to sanitary products.”

Priscilla Khadi Vawurah, Executive Director of A Voice for Her, and former SRC President of UDS Wa Campus

Calls for Sustainability

Beyond accessibility, Khadi stressed the importance of sustainability. She contended that while the government offer free sanitary products, it cannot overlook the environmental impact of single-use plastic pads.

She urged the government to adopt biodegradable and reusable sanitary products whenever feasible.

According to her, sustainable alternatives not only minimize plastic waste but also offer long-term solutions for girls who may find it difficult to access disposable pads regularly.

She also called for investment in local production to ensure long-term benefits for Ghana’s economy.

“A strategic approach that supports young Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the menstrual hygiene space like KODU Technolgy will create jobs and boost our economy.

“Instead of relying on imported products, let us build local capacity to produce eco-friendly sanitary solutions for our girls to end period poverty”.

Priscilla Khadi Vawurah, Executive Director of A Voice for Her, and former SRC President of UDS Wa Campus

With the allocation of GHS 292.4 million, the Executive Director of “A Voice for Her” is confident that this initiative will help reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates due to menstruation-related challenges.

“We’re not just talking about education; we’re talking about empowerment. When girls are empowered, they can change the world,” she concluded.

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